By the time you are reading this, it may well be into 2023, or just near. I hope the New Year is finding you well, with comfort in your goals and plans for 2023. If not, I’m here to help! Current clients can always schedule a phone call here. If you are considering getting a little off your plate, or really leveling up your online presence and creating systems that work for your business (read– increase your sales!) in 2023, then be sure to reach out soon as my calendar is filling quickly!
For those that are part of our Custom Membership Plans, you can skip to the next item on your to-do list, as I’ve got you covered for the must-have website updates as part of your ongoing membership!
We all know that we should be “loving” on our websites more than we are. I’m here to give you that nudge so that your website doesn't become that forgotten to-do list item that might just be keeping you up at night. Updating your website on the reg is best practice, but even if that isn’t your jam, monthly or quarterly updates are suggested, and if all else fails, update at the end of the year (or at least in January!).
Even if you don’t follow the suggested updates to your website, it’s a good idea to at least skim all pages of your website for content, usability, and readability, on both your desktop and phone.
But what exactly should be updated on a website annually? What are the most important things to update on your squarespace website? Does updating your website at the end of the year even matter?
Here are my top 5 items to consider updating on your website, at least annually, along with why they matter (hint: SEO and customer and client relationships is a big reason!).
#1 Update your footer
There’s nothing like heading to a website and ending up at the bottom of the page only to see “Copyright 2019”. That sends a clear message to the reader that the business just isn’t buttoned up enough. If they missed that little thing, what else are they missing and what would my experience as a customer be like?
While you’re in your footer– do the links all work?
Are the email address, physical address, and phone number correct?
Does the address and phone number link so that mobile users can easily find you and get in touch?
If you have an Instagram feed, does it need to be refreshed?
Are your hours correct and clearly posted?
Do the navigation links still seem necessary and relevant? Has a new page been added to the site, but not in the footer navigation?
#2 SEO Check-up
Are Google Analytics and Keywords connected to your site?
Is your Google My Business listing up to date with current hours, fresh images, and necessary info posted?
Are you ranking where you want to for the keywords that matter for your clients and your business?
Does your Instagram (and other social channels) profile and content match your website and brand? When was the last time it was updated?
Do all of your links and buttons work AND do they go where they’re supposed to?
How is your site speed and loading time?
#3 Check mobile usability
Most of your clients and prospects are looking at your site from their phones. If the site isn’t easy to use on mobile, they will probably skip to the next guy! If you only check one thing on mobile, make sure it’s the navigation spacing. Is it easy to click what you want to click?
Other things to look for:
Spacing issues
Words being cut into the next line
How images look
Font legibility
#4 Check your content, announcement bars, and pop-ups for relevancy
Check your content to ensure it’s current. If you created an announcement bar for that last sale, or for Thanksgiving, has it been updated? Is there still a COVID statement on your home page? What words and features need to be updated to current times? If you find that you aren’t the best at going back to make these small changes then you have some options: set a reminder, outsource it, or choose to create “evergreen content” in the future. Evergreen content doesn’t expire or have a timeline. It’s relevant yesterday, a year ago, today, and two years from now. This doesn’t mean you won’t ever have to update, but it reduces the risk of looking silly if you get sidetracked with other tasks.
#5 Check plug-ins and added-on features
Most Squarespace “plug-ins” or third-party apps/features don’t require updates, but it’s always good to double-check. If your website is on a different platform (ackhhhhemm WordPress…) then you’ll likely need to check for updates often to make sure all the parts of your website are fully functioning.
Now what?
All of these bits are totally doable for you, as a small business owner with a Squarespace website to update on your own, but if you're ready to get a little (or a lot) off of your plate, check out our Custom Membership Plans, you can learn more and schedule a complimentary intro call here! Not ready to commit? I totally get it, check out this new offer just for January:
Make sure your website is ready for 2023
I’m offering a one-time 2023 check-up for new and existing Squarespace clients through January 2023! Get everything mentioned above plus a custom write-up with suggestions on how to improve your website and meet your goals for 2023! To learn more drop your email below and I’ll send you the deets!